According to NSS, poverty index for 2014 comprised 30% in Armenia. As compared to the last year—2013, poverty index reduced by 2 percentage points. People, consumption of those was lower than general upper line per capita, were assessed as needy (in 2014 it comprised AMD 40 264 per month). Very needy people comprise 10.9% (monthly consumption of which per capita is lower than the lower poverty line—AMD 33 101). For the calculation of poverty line, RA official statistics, naturally, takes monthly cost of consumer basket as a basis. And in international statistics, generally, to count poverty index, daily average consumption in dollars is taken as a ground. It’s applied to compare indices of different countries.
“Russia’s mediation efforts aren’t so convincing to me under current state of affairs, Russia’s role is very contrastive, as Russia has a military base in Armenia, and is considered Armenia’s main partner in the field of security, Armenia is a CSTO member, Russia is Armenia’s security guarantor, however, it sells arms to Azerbaijan. Although Russia’s officials are also able to ground it, it may be considered as a conflict participant, who openly supports Azerbaijani president’s steps, whatever they might be,” Uwe Halbach said.
“Neutralization of the threat is the present-day number one issue, as well as thinking of actions parallel to it. We should apply to Russia, saying that this point of the accord hinders us, as from business perspective we may cooperate with other country, and by purchasing military equipment defend our security.”
